Coorg: Spice up your life

Tripoto
31st Oct 2015

Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 1/13 by Sumit Kumar 

The word 'getaway' matters a lot to a person who has a very monotonous job with little time to do anything out of the box. After successfully stealing around 100 hrs from my job, I decided to do something to ensure that these hours were spent for one and only one purpose : to create memories. That was a solid enough reason to wander into the mist and get lost somewhere, far from the flashy lights of Bangalore and in this process I found the best destination which would satisfy my wanderlust - the city of spices: Coorg. Situated at around 280 kms from Bangalore on road, a ride as long as 4 hrs , Coorg is a paradise for people in search of a peaceful and serene environment that is absent in the metros.     Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 2/13 by Sumit Kumar 
The road to this paradise is decent enough in the first half of the journey and gets a little rumbly as we proceed, finally entering the mountains after Kushalnagar
A little over-priced but beautiful nonetheless, Vivanta by Taj, Madikeri proves to be a perfect blend of luxury and simplicity. 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 3/13 by Sumit Kumar 
At a distance of around 10 kms from the city market, amidst a lot of greenery when you hear the sound of water gushing and splashing onto the rocks, it brings a sense of refreshment, which is followed by a pleasant smile. With a small bridge connecting the two sides of the waterfall, Abbey Falls ensures that the tiny water droplets your face encounters once you reach the waterfall neutralizes the effect of heat. 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 4/13 by Sumit Kumar 
On the outskirts of the Madikeri town, around 12 kms towards the interior off the main road lies the Dubare Elephant camp. Donning sports activities like water rafting (seasonal), Dubare a major attraction for elephant lovers. 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 5/13 by Sumit Kumar 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 6/13 by Sumit Kumar 
After a lovely date with nature, it was now time for 'Budhham sharanam gachhaami'. The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, also know as the Tibetian Golden Temple, situated in Kushalnagar is a real treat to the eyes , especially during the Sunday morning prayers. Despite the fact that the prayers were in a different language, the aura of the temple during the prayers is very pacifying. The mere sight of twelve year olds turning pages of the 'Tripitaka' and singing the prayers is so relaxing that you need a strong reason to leave the place. 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 7/13 by Sumit Kumar 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 8/13 by Sumit Kumar After such a pleasant start to a bright sunny day, it was now time for some adventure. Since, I had visited the city during the non-rainy season, the only option of rafting available was that of still water rafting , which is not that adventurous. Instead, I decided to invest my time and energy in a river trek. Walking through the jungle and crossing the swiftly flowing Cauvery over slippery rocks with risk of being swept off your feet ,literally sounded more appealing to me. 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 9/13 by Sumit Kumar 

The ride back home was not that pleasant considering I knew what I was leaving behind and also what's in store for me when I reach Bangalore, until I plan on stealing again, my vacations of course. This two-day vacation is always going to hold a special place in my heart, not only because I rode to such a beautiful experience but also because I was sharing moments and creating memories with my ladylove for which I got the award of the 'Best Birthday Ever'. Cheers!!

Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 10/13 by Sumit Kumar 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 11/13 by Sumit Kumar 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 12/13 by Sumit Kumar 
Photo of Coorg: Spice up your life 13/13 by Sumit Kumar